Pomp & Poker

Shamus

Action has stopped at our final table as all nine players are standing and watching the presentation of bracelets to yesterday's winners -- Panayote "Pete" Vilandos, winner of Event No. 24 ($1,500 No-Limit Hold'em), and Phil Ivey, winner of Event No. 25 ($2,500 Omaha/Seven-Card Stud Hi/Lo) -- and the playing of the national anthems of Greece (for Vilandos) and the United States (for Ivey).

The stage for the bracelet ceremony is located just a few feet from where our final table is being played. Each of the nine players remaining hopes he will be the one on that stage tomorrow afternoon.